The race to select the next Secretary-General of the United Nations is underway, yet no clear frontrunner has emerged. Alarmingly for Washington, one candidate is gaining traction—Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Guyana’s current ambassador to the U.N.
A recent straw poll of United Nations Security Council members showed Rodrigues-Birkett trailing closely behind Rebeca Grynspan, a former Costa Rican vice-president. To secure the position, a candidate must garner enough support from nine of the 15 council members while avoiding vetoes from the U.S., China, the UK, France, or Russia.
Despite Guyana being an ally of the United States, Rodrigues-Birkett’s views align more with adversaries such as the Chinese Communist Party, Cuba’s regime, and Hamas. Notably, China is likely to support her candidacy. During a visit to Beijing, Rodrigues-Birkett endorsed China’s resolution that excludes Taiwan from U.N. participation, a point the U.S. has consistently opposed.
China’s influence poses challenges for the U.S., especially concerning Artificial Intelligence regulation. Rodrigues-Birkett endorses China’s newly formed World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, comprising nations typically at odds with the U.S., such as Russia and Cuba.
Her support extends to communist regimes. She praised Fidel Castro as a “visionary” and advocated against the U.S. embargo on Cuba, even as the regime there has oppressed dissidents.
Rodrigues-Birkett also holds contentious views regarding the conflict in Gaza. She shifted blame onto Israel while defending the U.N. Relief and Works Agency amid serious allegations against it, contrasting with U.S. calls for the agency’s abolition.
The United States might consider a veto should Rodrigues-Birkett be recommended for the Secretary-General role, given her alignments and stances. Despite potential backlash from Guyana, a veto could safeguard U.S. interests.